TfL ditches Barnet-Stratford Superloop route
Plans for a new express bus link between outer London boroughs have been scaled back, with a proposed route connecting Barnet and Stratford cancelled.
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Transport for London (TfL) has abandoned plans to introduce a Superloop express bus route that would have connected Barnet to Stratford, passing through areas including Enfield Town, Chingford, and Walthamstow. The cancellation of this route forms part of a wider concern that public transport connectivity across outer London boroughs remains inadequate.
Connectivity concerns raised
TfL dismisses M25 bus plan as outer London connectivity concerns grow
London Assembly member Keith Prince calls for radical solutions to improve travel between outer boroughs.
Keith Prince, a Reform UK member of the London Assembly and its transport committee, has warned that it is still too difficult for Londoners to travel between different points in outer London using public transport. He suggested that an express bus service along the M25 and a new Superloop route following the North Circular could improve these connections. Mr Prince stated that while the Elizabeth Line has improved capacity, the challenge now is to boost connectivity between outer London centres.
Mr Prince cited his own borough of Havering, where a journey across the area can be more difficult than travelling into central London. He argued that the current Superloop network, which includes twelve operational routes with three more planned, does not sufficiently address these issues. He also noted that the SL12 Superloop route, recently launched between Gants Hill and Rainham, does not extend far enough to resolve these connectivity gaps.
Mayor's Superloop pledge
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The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, pledged during the 2024 City Hall election campaign to double the number of Superloop services from ten to twenty. However, current plans indicate that the total number of routes will reach fifteen, falling short of the Mayor's stated commitment. Mr Prince suggested that more radical solutions are needed if the aim of 80% of journeys being made via public transport or active travel by 2041 is to be met.
TfL response
A spokesperson for TfL stated that the organisation is committed to providing a comprehensive bus service across London and regularly reviews the network to ensure resources are allocated effectively. They confirmed that plans for further Superloop routes are being considered for future implementation. Regarding the M25, TfL indicated that the motorway's nature as a multi-lane road with a national speed limit makes it unsuitable for scheduled bus services.
Mr Prince also commented on the impact of other traffic measures, such as low-traffic neighbourhoods and 20mph speed limits, suggesting they can increase car usage and pollution due to a lack of viable public transport alternatives for shorter journeys.
Questions this report answers
+Why has the Barnet to Stratford Superloop route been cancelled?
Transport for London has ditched plans for this Superloop route. While the exact reasons for this specific cancellation were not detailed, TfL is reviewing its network and has stated that the M25 is not suitable for scheduled bus services, which may have influenced broader route planning.
+What is the Superloop and what are the plans for its expansion?
The Superloop is a network of express bus routes designed to connect town centres and travel hubs in outer London. The Mayor of London pledged to double the number of Superloop services from ten to twenty, but current plans indicate a total of fifteen routes will be implemented.
+What are the concerns about public transport in outer London?
A London Assembly member, Keith Prince, has warned that public transport connectivity between outer London boroughs is still insufficient. He argues that it remains too difficult to travel between different points in outer London using public transport, which can discourage people from using it over cars.
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